That has the key trio feeling as if they're in good shape with a
stretch of 12 games in 12 days still ahead.

"We're well rested," Bell said before batting practice
Tuesday.

Adams has always preferred more work to keep himself in pitching
shape. Even so, he agreed that a few days off before the final
stretch can't hurt. But Adams is prepared to throw as often as
needed.

"Rested or not, you have to be ready to go," Adams said. "If we
can take the ball 10 of the 12 days, we're going to take it."

Adams said Richard's outing was important for another reason --
it was the team's first strong all-around effort in weeks.

"It's huge for the psyche of the team," Adams said. "It's what
the starting pitchers needed. We've had a rough three weeks. Last
night was perfect. Hopefully we can carry that over."

-- ManagerBud Blackspent time during hispregame media session discussing veteran
Matt
Stairs
' value. I'll get more into what Stairs has meant toWill Venableand some of the other young playersin today's notebook. But aside from that, Black said Stairs hashidden value in that he is the team's emergency pitcher. Stairs hasparticipated in a dozen or so bullpen sessions and nearly got intothe Padres' Aug. 26 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks as a pitcherhad it not been for a late grand slam byAdrian
Gonzalez.

--Ryan Ludwicksaid there will be no fine forGonzalez' poor base running, which led to him losing a hit in theninth inning Tuesday. Ludwick instead got a fielder's choice whenGonzalez ran into an inning-ending out. Ludwick still got the RBIbut jokingly said he believes Gonzalez was trying to sabotage hisbatting average with runners in scoring position. Gonzalez ishitting .423 with RISP while Ludwick is hitting .385.

"I told him he doesn't want me to have a higher average,"
Ludwick said with a smile. "It's all right -- we got the win."

-- RelieverAdam Russelldidn't care that OhioUniversity lost to Ohio State 43-7 on Saturday. Russell, an Ohiograd, was excited by this
photo
of Ohio State's mascot, Brutus, getting beat up by Ohio'sBobcat.

"That was funny," Russell said. "That's a win right there."

-- Black said
Jon Garland
would start Saturdayagainst Cincinnati and
Clayton Richard
will pitchSunday's series finale. The Padres have already announced that
Mat Latos
will face the Dodgers on Thursday andChris Youngwill pitch against the Reds onFriday.